Apparatus for connecting a fish hook to a line

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is disclosed for connecting a fish hook to a line. The apparatus includes a body of pen like configuration. The body has a first and a second end and defines a bore which extends from the first to the second end of the body. A shaft is slidably disposed within the bore, the shaft having a first and a second extremity. The first extremity of the shaft is disposed adjacent to the first end of the body and the second extremity of the shaft is disposed adjacent to the second end of the body. A biasing device is provided for urging the shaft in a direction from the first towards the second end of the body. The first extremity of the shaft defines a transverse slot such that in use of the apparatus, when the line has been threaded through an eye defined by the fish hook, the line is then passed around the body so that the line generates a loop, the body is then turned so that the loop attains a plurality of twists. The shaft is then urged through the bore in opposition to the biasing device. A tail end of the line disposed outside the loop is then guided into the transverse slot. The shaft is then urged by the biasing device so that the tail end of the line is trapped within the slot and within the bore adjacent to the first end of the body. The trapped tail end is then pulled through the loop thus connecting the hook to the line.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for connecting a fish hook to a line.

More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for connecting a fish hook which defines an eye so that the fish hook is knotted to the line.

2. Background Information

Millions of people enjoy the sport of fishing. However, the tying and knotting of a fish hook to the end of a fishing line is not an easy task. Most fish hooks are provided with an eye through which the end of the fishing line must be threaded. When the line is threaded, the tail end of the line is formed into a loop and the hook is manually twisted so that several twists of the line are imparted to the loop. The tail end of the line is then threaded through the loop after which the loop is tightened to form a knot around the fish hook eye so that the hook is firmly secured to the end of the line.

The present invention provides a portable apparatus which greatly simplifies the task of securing a fish hook to a fishing line.

The apparatus is preferably fabricated from a disused ball point pen from which any remaining ink has been drained. The pen includes basically a tube like body which defines a bore for the slidable reception therein of a shaft. The shaft is spring urged within the body. However, when a button is depressed, the front end of the shaft protrudes from the body. The front end, that is, the end with the ball point includes, according to the present invention, a transverse slot of hook like configuration in order to assist in the tying and knotting operation.

The tying and knotting operation includes the steps of threading the tail end of the line through the eye of the fish hook and looping the tail end of the line around the body of the pen like body. The pen like body is then rotated to generate several twists in the loop. The button is then depressed and the tail end of the line outside the loop is located within the transverse slot. The button is then released so that the tail end of the line is trapped within the transverse slot and is wedged between the transverse slot and the bore of the body. The trapped tail end is then pulled through the loop and the loop is pulled tight thus firmly knotting the eye of the hook to the line.

The present invention also includes a slot defined by the button for shearing tangled line. Also, a hole is provided in the button for enabling a user to shear off unwanted line close to a newly tied and knotted hook.

Therefore, the primary feature of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus for connecting a fish hook to a line that overcomes the problems associated with the prior art devices and which makes a significant contribution to the art of line fishing.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus for connecting a fish hook to a line that greatly simplifies the task of knotting a fish hook to a line.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art by a consideration of the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention contained herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for connecting a fish hook to a line. The apparatus includes a body of pen like configuration. The body has a first and a second end and defines a bore which extends from the first to the second end of the body. A shaft is slidably disposed within the bore, the shaft having a first and a second extremity. The first extremity of the shaft is disposed adjacent to the first end of the body and the second extremity of the shaft is disposed adjacent to the second end of the body. A biasing device is provided for urging the shaft in a direction from the first towards the second end of the body. The first extremity of the shaft defines a transverse slot such that, in use of the apparatus, when the line has been threaded through an eye defined by the fish hook, the line is then passed around the body so that the line generates a loop around the body. The body is then turned so that the loop attains a plurality of twists. The shaft is then urged through the bore in opposition to the biasing device. A tail end of the line which is disposed outside the loop is then guided into the transverse slot. The shaft is then urged by the biasing device so that the tail end of the line is trapped within the slot and within the bore adjacent to the first end of the body. The trapped tail end is then pulled through the loop thus connecting the fishing hook to the line.

In a more specific embodiment of the present invention, the body is fabricated from a plastics material.

Additionally, the body defines a clip for fastening the apparatus within a user's pocket.

Moreover, the bore defines a radial ledge which is disposed between the first and the second end of the body.

Also, the shaft is fabricated from metal and the body and the shaft therein are preferably fabricated from a ball point pen.

The shaft defines an annular collar which is disposed between the first and second extremities of the shaft.

Additionally, the biasing device is a compression spring which extends from the radial ledge to the annular collar, one end of the spring abutting against the radial ledge, the other end of the spring abutting against the annular collar. The spring urges the shaft relative to the body in a direction from the first towards the second end of the body.

The transverse slot extends more than halfway across a diameter of the first extremity of the shaft.

Also, the transverse slot and the first extremity of the shaft protrude from the first end of the body when the shaft is urged through the bore in opposition to the biasing device.

Furthermore, the transverse slot protrudes a distance within a range 0.01 to 0.75 inches from the first end of the body when the shaft is urged through the bore in opposition to the biasing device.

Moreover, the transverse slot is cut at an angle relative to an axis extending through the first and second extremities of the shaft, the angle being within a range 20 to 90 degrees.

Additionally, the angle is defined between the transverse slot and a portion of the axis extending from the slot to the first extremity of the shaft.

The second extremity of the shaft defines a button such that in use of the apparatus, when a user depresses the button, the shaft is urged in opposition to the biasing device so that the first extremity of the shaft and the transverse slot protrude from the first end of the body.

Also, the button defines a transverse channel such that when the line is inserted within the channel and the button is depressed, the line is sheared through an interaction of the button and the second end of the body.

The transverse channel defines an acute angle relative to an axis extending between the extremities of the shaft. The acute angle is defined between the transverse channel and a part of the axis which extends from the transverse channel to the first extremity of the shaft.

Furthermore, the button defines a transverse hole such that, when the line is inserted within the hole and the button is depressed, the line is sheared through an interaction of the button and the second end of the body.

Many modifications and variations of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art by a consideration of the detailed description contained hereinafter taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings which show a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, such modifications and variations fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Included in such modification would be the provision of a shaft made up of several components some of which are manufactured from metal or plastics material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an apparatus according to the present invention, for connecting a fish hook to a line;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the fish hook;

FIG. 3 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 2 but shows the line 14 which is then passed around the body so that the line generates a loop;

FIG. 4 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 3 but shows the body of the apparatus being turned;

FIG. 5 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 4 but shows how a loop attains a plurality of twists as a result of the turning shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 5 but shows a shaft being urged through a bore of the apparatus in opposition to a biasing device;

FIG. 7 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 6 but shows the shaft being urged by the biasing device so that the tail end of the line is trapped within a transverse slot and within the bore adjacent to the first end of the body;

FIG. 8 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 7 but shows the trapped tail end being pulled through the loop thus connecting the fish hook to the line;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 8 but shows that the transverse slot extends more than halfway across a diameter of the first extremity of the shaft;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the apparatus according to the present invention showing a transverse channel defined by a button;

FIG. 12 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 11 but shows the line having been sheared.

FIG. 13 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 2 but shows the knot in the line tied around the eye of the hook; and

FIG. 14 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 9 but shows how the line is sheared.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an apparatus generally designated 10, according to the present invention, for connecting a fish hook 12 to a line generally designated 14. As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 10 includes a body generally designated 16 of pen like configuration. The body 16 has a first and a second end 18 and 20 respectively and defines a bore 22 which extends from the first end 18 to the second end 20 of the body 16. A shaft generally designated 24 is slidably disposed within the bore 22, the shaft 24 having a first and a second extremity 26 and 28 respectively. The first extremity 26 of the shaft 24 is disposed adjacent to the first end 18 of the body 16 and the second extremity 28 of the shaft 24 is disposed adjacent to the second end 20 of the body 16. A biasing device 30 is provided for urging the shaft 24 in a direction as indicated by the arrow 32 from the first end 18 towards the second end 20 of the body 16. The first extremity 26 of the shaft 24 defines a transverse slot 34.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the fish hook 12 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the line 14 has been threaded through an eye 36 defined by the fish hook 12.

FIG. 3 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 2 but shows the line 14 which is then passed around the body 16 so that the line 14 generates a loop 38.

FIG. 4 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 3 but shows the body 16 being turned as indicated by the arrow 40.

FIG. 5 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 4 but shows how the loop 38 attains a plurality of twists 41, 42 and 43 as a result of the turning as shown by arrow 40 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 5 but shows the shaft 24 being urged, as indicated by the arrow 44, through the bore 22 in opposition to the biasing device 30. A tail end 46 of the line 14 disposed outside the loop 38 is then guided into the transverse slot 34.

FIG. 7 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 6 but shows the shaft 24 being urged by the biasing device 30 as indicated by the arrow 48 so that the tail end 46 of the line 14 is trapped within the transverse slot 34 and within the bore 22 adjacent to the first end 18 of the body 16.

FIG. 8 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 7 but shows the trapped tail end 46 being pulled through the loop 38 as indicated by the arrow 49 thus connecting the fish hook 12 to the line 14.

In a more specific embodiment of the present invention, the body 16 is fabricated from a plastics material.

Additionally, the body 16 defines a clip 50 for fastening the apparatus 10 within a user's pocket (not shown).

Moreover, the bore 22 defines a radial ledge 52 which is disposed between the first end 18 and the second end 20 of the body 16.

Also, the shaft 24 is fabricated from metal and the body 16 and the shaft 24 therein are preferably fabricated from a ball point pen.

The shaft 24 defines an annular collar 54 which is disposed between the first and second extremities 26 and 28 respectively of the shaft 24.

Additionally, the biasing device 30 is a compression spring which extends from the radial ledge 52 to the annular collar 54 for urging the shaft 24 relative to the body 16 in a direction as indicated by the arrow 32 from the first end 18 towards the second end 20 of the body 16.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 9, a knot 55 of the line 14 is being tightened around the eye 36 of the fish hook 12.

FIG. 10 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 8 but shows that the transverse slot 34 extends more than halfway across a diameter D of the first extremity 26 of the shaft 24. FIG. 10 also shows the tail end 46 of the line 14 disengaged from the transverse slot 34.

Also, the transverse slot 34 and the first extremity 26 of the shaft 24 protrude from the first end 18 of the body 16 when the shaft 24 is urged through the bore 22 in opposition to the biasing device 30.

Furthermore, the transverse slot 34 protrudes a distance d within a range 0.01 to 0.75 inches from the first end 18 of the body 16 when the shaft 24 is urged through the bore 22 in opposition to the biasing device 30 as shown in FIG. 10.

Moreover, the transverse slot 34 is cut at an angle A relative to an axis 56 extending through the first and second extremities 26 and 28 respectively of the shaft 24, the angle A being within a range 20 to 90 degrees.

Additionally, the angle A is defined between the transverse slot 34 and a portion 58 of the axis 56 extending from the transverse slot 34 to the first extremity 26 of the shaft 24.

The second extremity 28 of the shaft 24 defines a button 60 such that in use of the apparatus 10, when a user depresses the button 60, the shaft 24 is urged as indicated by the arrow 40 in opposition to the biasing device 30 so that the first extremity 26 of the shaft 24 and the transverse slot 34 protrude from the first end 18 of the body 16.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the apparatus 10 showing a transverse channel defined by the button 60. As shown in FIG. 11, the transverse channel 62 is used to shear the line 14. It is particularly useful in shearing a tangled line.

FIG. 12 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 11 but shows the line 14 having been sheared.

FIG. 13 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 2 but shows the knot 55 in the line 14 tied around the eye 36 of the hook 12.

FIG. 14 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 14, the button 60 defines the transverse channel 62 such that when the line 14 is inserted within the channel 62 and the button 60 is depressed as indicated by the arrow 64, the line 14 is sheared through an interaction of the button 60 and the second end 20 of the body 16.

As shown in FIG. 1, the transverse channel 62 defines an acute angle AA relative to the axis 56 extending between the extremities 26 and 28 respectively of the shaft 24. The acute angle AA is defined between the transverse channel 62 and a part 66 of the axis 56 which extends from the transverse channel 62 to the first extremity 26 of the shaft 24.

As shown in FIG. 14, the button 60 defines a transverse hole 68 such that, when the line 14 is inserted within the hole 68 and the button 60 is depressed as indicated by the arrow 64, the line 14 is sheared through an interaction of the button 60 and the second end 20 of the body 16.

In operation of the apparatus 10, the tail end 46 of the line 14 is threaded through eye 36 defined by the fish hook 12. The line is then passed around the body 16 so that the line generates the loop 38. The body 16 is then turned a few times so that the loop 38 generates a plurality of twists 41 to 43. The shaft 24 is urged through the bore 22 in opposition to the biasing device 30. The tail end 46 of the line 14 which is disposed outside the loop 38 is then guided into the transverse slot 34. The biasing device is allowed to urge the transverse slot 34 of the shaft 24 so that the tail end 46 of the line 14 is trapped within the slot 34 and within the bore 22 adjacent to the first end 18 of the body 16. The trapped tail end 46 is then pulled through the loop 38 thus connecting the hook 12 to the line 14.

A very important feature of the present invention in addition to facilitating threading of the hook onto the line is the provision of the slanting slot cutter in the button which is the actuating handle such that the user is able to cut the line very close to the eye of the hook. Also, the provision of the hole for the removal of the hook from a short piece of line.

The present invention provides a unique apparatus for facilitating the knotting of a fish hook to the tail end of a line. 

1. An apparatus for connecting a fish hook to a line, said apparatus comprising: a body of pen like configuration, said body having a first and a second end, said body defining a bore which extends from said first to said second end of said body; a shaft slidably disposed within said bore, said shaft having a first and a second extremity, said first extremity of said shaft being disposed adjacent to said first end of said body, said second extremity of said shaft being disposed adjacent to said second end of said body; a biasing device for urging said shaft in a direction from said first towards said second end of said body; and said first extremity of said shaft defining a transverse slot such that in use of the apparatus, when the line has been threaded through an eye defined by the fish hook, the line is then passed around said body so that the line generates a loop, the body is then turned so that said loop attains a plurality of twists, said shaft is then urged through said bore in opposition to said biasing device, a tail end of the line disposed outside said loop is then guided into said transverse slot, said shaft is then urged by said biasing device so that said tail end of the line is trapped within said slot and within said bore adjacent to said first end of said body, said trapped tail end is then pulled through said loop thus connecting the hook to the line.
 2. An apparatus for connecting a fish hook to a line as set forth in claim 1 wherein said body is fabricated from a plastics material.
 3. An apparatus for connecting a fish hook to a line as set forth in claim 1 wherein said body defines a clip for fastening said apparatus within a user's pocket.
 4. An apparatus for connecting a fish hook to a line as set forth in claim 1 wherein said bore defines a radial ledge disposed between said first and said second end of said body;
 5. An apparatus for connecting a fish hook to a line as set forth in claim 1 wherein said shaft is fabricated from metal.
 6. An apparatus for connecting a fish hook to a line as set forth in claim 1 wherein said body and said shaft therein are fabricated from a ball point pen.
 7. An apparatus for connecting a fish hook to a line as set forth in claim 4 wherein said shaft defines an annular collar disposed between said first and second extremities of said shaft.
 8. An apparatus for connecting a fish hook to a line as set forth in claim 7 wherein said biasing device is a compression spring extending from said radial ledge to said annular collar for urging said shaft relative to said body in said direction from said first towards said second end of said body.
 9. An apparatus for connecting a fish hook to a line as set forth in claim 1 wherein said transverse slot extends more than halfway across a diameter of said first extremity of said shaft.
 10. An apparatus for connecting a fish hook to a line as set forth in claim 1 wherein said transverse slot and said first extremity of said shaft protrude from said first end of said body when said shaft is urged through said bore in opposition to said biasing device.
 11. An apparatus for connecting a fish hook to a line as set forth in claim 10 wherein said transverse slot protrudes a distance within a range 0.01 to 0.75 inches from said first end of said body when said shaft is urged through said bore in opposition to said biasing device.
 12. An apparatus for connecting a fish hook to a line as set forth in claim 1 wherein said transverse slot is cut at an angle relative to an axis extending through said first and second extremities of said shaft, said angle being within a range 20 to 90 degrees.
 13. An apparatus for connecting a fish hook to a line as set forth in claim 12 wherein said angle is defined between said slot and a portion of said axis extending from said slot to said first extremity of said shaft.
 14. An apparatus for connecting a fish hook to a line as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second extremity of said shaft defines a button such that in use of said apparatus when a user depresses said button, said shaft is urged in opposition to said biasing device so that said first extremity of said shaft and said transverse slot protrude from said first end of said body.
 15. An apparatus for connecting a fish hook to a line as set forth in claim 14 wherein said button defines a transverse channel such that when the line is inserted within said channel and said button is depressed, the line is sheared through an interaction of said button and said second end of said body.
 16. An apparatus for connecting a fish hook to a line as set forth in claim 15 wherein said transverse channel defines an acute angle relative to an axis extending between said extremities of said shaft, said acute angle being defined between said transverse channel and a part of said axis extending from said transverse channel to said first extremity of said shaft.
 17. An apparatus for connecting a fish hook to a line as set forth in claim 14 wherein said button defines a transverse hole such that when the line is inserted within said hole and said button is depressed, the line is sheared through an interaction of said button and said second end of said body. 18 An apparatus for connecting a fish hook to a line, said apparatus comprising: a body of pen like configuration, said body having a first and a second end, said body defining a bore which extends from said first to said second end of said body; a shaft slidably disposed within said bore, said shaft having a first and a second extremity, said first extremity of said shaft being disposed adjacent to said first end of said body, said second extremity of said shaft being disposed adjacent to said second end of said body; a biasing device for urging said shaft in a direction from said first towards said second end of said body; said first extremity of said shaft defining a transverse slot such that in use of the apparatus, when the line has been threaded through an eye defined by the fish hook, the line is then passed around said body so that the line generates a loop, the body is then turned so that said loop attains a plurality of twists, said shaft is then urged through said bore in opposition to said biasing device, a tail end of the line disposed outside said loop is then guided into said transverse slot, said shaft is then urged by said biasing device so that said tail end of the line is trapped within said slot and within said bore adjacent to said first end of said body, said trapped tail end is then pulled through said loop thus connecting the hook to the line; said body being fabricated from a plastics material; said body defining a clip for fastening said apparatus within a user's pocket; said bore defining a radial ledge disposed between said first and said second end of said body; said shaft being fabricated from metal; said body and said shaft therein being fabricated from a ball point pen; said shaft defining an annular collar disposed between said first and second extremities of said shaft; said biasing device being a compression spring extending from said radial ledge to said annular collar for urging said shaft relative to said body in said direction from said first towards said second end of said body; said transverse slot extending more than halfway across a diameter of said first extremity of said shaft; said transverse slot and said first extremity of said shaft protruding from said first end of said body when said shaft is urged through said bore in opposition to said biasing device; said transverse slot protruding a distance within a range 0.01 to 0.75 inches from said first end of said body when said shaft is urged through said bore in opposition to said biasing device; said transverse slot being cut at an angle relative to an axis extending through said first and second extremities of said shaft, said angle being within a range 20 to 90 degrees; said angle being defined between said slot and a portion of said axis extending from said slot to said first extremity of said shaft; said second extremity of said shaft defining a button such that in use of said apparatus, when a is user depresses said button, said shaft is urged in opposition to said biasing device so that said first extremity of said shaft and said transverse slot protrude from said first end of said body; said button defining a transverse channel such that when the line is inserted within said channel and said button is depressed, the line is sheared through an interaction of said button and said second end of said body; said transverse channel defining an acute angle relative to said axis extending between said extremities of said shaft, said acute angle being defined between said transverse channel and a part of said axis extending from said transverse channel to said first extremity of said shaft; and said button defining a transverse hole such that when the line is inserted within said hole and said button is depressed, the line is sheared through an interaction of said button and said second end of said body. 19 A method of connecting a fish hook to a line, the method comprising the steps of: slidably disposing a shaft within a bore defined by a body of pen like configuration, the body having a first and a second end, the bore extending from the first to the second end of the body, the shaft having a first and a second extremity, the first extremity of the shaft being disposed adjacent to the first end of the body, the second extremity of the shaft being disposed adjacent to the second end of the body, the first extremity of the shaft defining a transverse slot; urging the shaft in a direction from the first towards the second end of the body by a biasing device; threading the line through an eye defined by the fish hook; passing the line around the body so that the line generates a loop; turning the body so that the loop attains a plurality of twists; urging the shaft through the bore in opposition to the biasing device; guiding a tail end of the line disposed outside the loop into the transverse slot; urging the shaft by the biasing device so that the tail end of the line is trapped within the slot and within the bore adjacent to the first end of the body; and pulling the trapped tail end through the loop thus connecting the hook to the line. 